I’m Back - Been a minute or two…

 A couple of changes since last posted. Sadly, Apollo and Dudley have moved on and for the first time in 39 years we are petless. We do have a beautiful grand ragdoll, Desmond. He lives rent free with VolleyGirl. BigBoy has four dogs, Gryffin, Peggy, Bronco and Gus. We now have three truly ugly grands, Peyton, Jay and Audrey. Spending time with them is very torturous. 😏 Sooooo, that’s a nutshell update. Presently I am working on Mr. unplugged to get a Maine Coon kitten. I like a challenge.

Until next time…let’s get involved!

AU

Just Missed A Few Posts......

Not sure when I went off the rails, but I did.
Quick catch up from this end: Yes, the wedding happened, barely missing rain.

Yes, I'm still creating art:

Yes, I'm still baking cakes:

Yes, Volleygirl grew up beautifully and isn't exactly a Volleygirl anymore:

Yes, I have a whole lot of catching up to do reading everyone's blog. 

But, I am preparing for something new this December:

Our first grandchild

A granddaughter!

Easter Blessings

9x12 color pencil

Hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Easter!

Just completed yesterday. Been busy with wedding things, have an exhibit this coming Saturday, need more art! Still hope to get around to see what everyone's been up to (not enough hours in a day.)

Fitting in Art

Ready to begin work on the wood cross next, then on to background. I like to look at progression photos which I always take of my work. Thought I would share some today.

It was very hard for me to color over this pencil shading but I have already created two pencil Easter pieces and wanted to do a color one. Unlike in my Christmas colored pieces where the shading showed through very well with little accenting afterward, this didn't occur. Winced on that.....but have shaded with a darker color of purple and black.

I go ahead and finish off areas to avoid smearing.
No, this isn't an ancient drawing or spilled tea. I began this drawing sitting in a Starbucks while we were out of town and it looked totally yellow. Hoping to make progress on this today and finish next week.

VolleyGirl (think I'm going to have to :( rename her) and I had a great time the other weekend. Didn't get lost once.....now we did have a couple of extra circles here and there looking for the restaurant. We shopped, ate too much and bought very little but we enjoyed ourselves. Now I've been swimming laps and treading water at the gym pool for a couple of weeks, knees and back are holding up pretty well so far. Shopping a bit, with little luck, for a dress for the wedding and trying to get some art accomplished. The first wedding event is this Sunday, a bridal shower and of course I'm uncertain to what I will wear. Why should I, have over an entire day left! Also.....why did I ever start twitter.......

More Art and Girls' Weekend

This 9x12 pencil on bristol was completed a week ago and I need to get it framed by next Wednesday. It is the most detailed pencil drawing I have ever done other than the snowmen. Really, it looks better in person, (in person? in paper?) you know what I mean. Also have another Easter picture in progress in pencil now but will finish it in color pencil. I really will try to stop by some sites tonight perhaps, after packing and probably after a movie the hub wants to see. My attempt at keeping up failed, duh, obviously. So here I go again! Let me say that all are well here, Apollo, aka, His Royal Hindness, Dudley, the insatiable appetite for canned food now, VolleyGirl, in college now, living at home, BigBoy, wow...has a great job and enjoying it, wedding is May 12 and Mr. Unplugged, just started a new job and busier. Me, still washing 18 loads a week, cooking most nights, dog watcher, JUST WENT BACK TO THE GYM, swimming and walking in the pool....unsure how the bod will handle it yet, reading to read a book, (okay, I realize this sounds as if I'm an idiot, I read alot but it's the newspaper, cooking, decorating, junk magazines, the internet but now a real book!) creating art and entering more exhibits. I have to have a couple of pieces ready by next Wednesday. VolleyGirl and I are going off tomorrow Saturday morning for shopping, fun, girl stuff so this post will have to do until I get back! It's always funny when we go off cause I can't find my way anywhere, not fond of driving in a town I am unfamiliar with....doesn't matter that this will be the third time we have went to this area to shop. I always get lost trying to get back to the hotel. Fortunately and unfortunately, VG enjoys it cause she just likes to ride around looking, which means she isn't always a great help finding the way back while I quietly panic on the inside thinking we will end up in a different state. We stayed at the same hotel the first two times but this time we got the best rate somewhere else soooooo, so much for being accustom to getting to and fro. We have a lot of laughs though and unlike our trips to volleyball tournaments of past, there is no set time or place to be so it is much, much less stress.....aside from thinking I will end up on the interstate with zero exits leading me two states away as I try to find the mall!

Today, I am catching up on the clothes, making some calls, working on an art piece, watching for storms. Here is a recent piece completed. This snowmen piece is 11x14, was a commissioned piece for a grandmother of her grandkids. She was a very dear friend of my mother though quite a bit younger than my mom. I know, it looks really odd to see the guns, but both these grandsons are hunters. Also, the MF on the bottom, middle one's camo cap does NOT stand for what may first come to mind! It is a place near the gulf called Mo' Fishin'. These grandchildren range in age from high school to college age.

Crawling Out of My Bloghole

Sooooo, for awhile there was no new art, no news really, too much playing around with time killing forms of communication and wedding stuff. I got back to art and joined a couple of groups as well. One, is the Ascribing Artists and those that choose to are exhibiting at the Art League this month. I have a difficult time choosing what to submit, did this 9x12 pencil drawing just below just in time. The opening reception was canceled due to the tornado storms in our area last Friday. We were fortunate once again to not be directly affected but I personally know some that have. Hazel Green, Athens, New Market, Harvest, many of these areas have been seen on the national news. Some people lost there homes for the second time in 10 months, unbelievable. The tornadoes certainly seem to take similar paths, I think it has to do with the mountains, water, etc. Anyhow, my prayers to all across our nation, so sad.

8x10 Acrylic

16x20 Acrylic

I certainly hope all have been well, will be catching up with everyone.

Scenes from the past two days....Merry Christmas!

I hate that it's been crazy busy so I've not posted. It's less than an hour until midnight - Christmas Day soon! Wanted to wish everyone a blessed, safe and memorable Christmas. Hoping all has been well, look forward to catching up very soon. The snowman was commissioned for a gift, picked up yesterday.

Celebrated my great nephew's 7th birthday last night before my side of the family's Christmas celebration. Yesterday was a poignant day - would have been my parent's 61st anniversary, would have been my mom's 81st birthday, Dudley came to our home 11 years ago on my parent's 50th anniversary. So blessed that Finn (Finnegan) was born on my mom's birthday....something to keep celebrating! He's into Mario Kart and I had never made a birthday cake for him cause it's so busy this time of year. I've always made his brother's cake in July and this year I was determined to make Finn's!

My niece had the little toy figures for the cake and Finn insisted they ALL were put on and luckily they fit! A joy to do!
We gave him the Mario cap and mustache!

A bit difficult to see but the cracklin' fire with Christmas music on Netflix is actually pretty awesome in our den! Occasionally when I am waiting for something in the oven I get to sit down for a minute and enjoy it!

One of my favorite traditions growing up - Russian tea, made with lemons, oranges, cloves, cinnamon, sugar and of course, tea! Wouldn't be Christmas without it.
Last thing I baked tonight....pecan pie, my favorite pie.

Found this chocolate macaroon recipe in a magazine last year!!!! If you love toasted coconut, you'll love this. Volleygirl has taken this task on....yes!
Been planning this cake to take to my in-laws since I first saw it on a friend's facebook post last summer. A Tuxedo Cake..........chocolate cake layers....very tall!
Icing is just heavy whipping cream with confectioner's sugar.
Just finished it!!!!!!!! Made the glaze after returning home tonight....was nervous it wouldn't turn out right.........love it! The glaze is yummy. Had to find Lyle's Golden Syrup....thankfully did...it's an English syrup. Hope the in-laws like it.

Now, for some more art - BigBoy drew this for his grandmother in color pencil. I had a great gold frame for it and he put it in before I got a photo. That's why you see the white reflections off the glass in the red suit.
Well, I am literally ho-hoed out...to bed, to bed said sleepy head. God bless you all!

Christmas Dogs on Thursday

View from above of the nosey Royal One.

Peeping at me in the kitchen last night.

May all of you enjoy your time with your two-legged pets, they are truly a gift! Merry Christmas Annie, Snuffles, Emma, Luna, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief and Snickers!!!

Argh! Ho,ho, ho!!!

No time for art (booooooo!) decorating, giving Dudley pills, making coffee, washing, buying food, decorating, giving Dudley pills, feeding the Canine Messiah, washing, cooking, running errands, making coffee, resting aching bod, holding Dudley, washing, checking on the old golden retriever (Bubba), and so on, and so on........miss blogging!!!! Will post photos when finished decorating! Probably not making the open house was hoping to attend tomorrow (waaaaah!) But - I have a new cellphone!!!!!!!!!!!!! Photos one and two were taken with it. That is my four year old nephew in the first photo, came over while we were setting up outside decorations, he was so excited. Hope to catch up with everyone soon, maybe later in the evening, right now, gonna put on chicken for stew to take to in-laws, my MIL is having knee surgery today....Big Boy has been away on his first job trip to Oklahouma, he is enroute home now and the fat one (not me) will be sooooo happy!!!! Love and good health to all for now!

Bountiful Blessings

Cooking away, no time to sketch, so posting a sketch from a few years ago. It really doesn't have to be a holiday for me to be thankful to all my friends in the blog world but you are most appreciated and enjoyed. Wishing each and everyone of you a very safe, blessed and Happy Thanksgiving! (even if your country doesn't celebrate it...have an awesome week!)

Team Spirit!!!

9x12 color pencil on bristol

I am not exaggerating when talking about how big a rivalry it is between two schools that play next Saturday. University of Alabama and Auburn every year play each other last on their schedule. Bragging rights for the year. Auburn won last year, going on to be the national champions. Alabama is ranked # 2 this year and very well may have a rematch against #1 LSU for the national championship. Too bad the game isn't in Tuscaloosa, home for U of A. It is often referred to as "T-town" which would made for a better tag line. Haven't had much experience doing cartoon type drawings but I really enjoy it!

8x10 graphite and color pencil on bristol

This was a commissioned piece from an old college friend to another old college friend for her birthday. She was originally from Michigan and this is for Michigan State. Both of them were once my college roommates. I mailed it to Florida last Wednesday and heard this morning that she loved it which makes me super happy!

Been busy, Dudley's care takes some time, he is still confined and has improved some. Can tell he feels better but his balance is still haywire, though improved. If we didn't have two staircases, both of which have a gate on them to prevent the Royal One from going up, I might would let him out. The vet mentioned that the antibiotics may upset his stomach but praise be it hasn't!!!!!!

Baking and cooking begins this week. The birthday cake was put off from last week until Thanksgiving, will post photos later.


MUST clean, clean out before the explosion of Christmas decorations go up and sadly I dread it so badly because both the cleaning and decorating is back breaking. My family will help, but it is so much. I love the season but it is greatly hindered (and usually dreaded which I hate to say) by this situation. I cannot tell you how many holidays have been spent in pain or horizontal due to this. Should have been doing it all along but I have a procrastinator....ugh. I will not give up though....me, the tree and glee will conquer!!!!

Dogs on Thursday: Late Edition

I've missed you.......but it hasn't kept me up, still able to rest my royal bod.

Embracing a little tv occasionally.

Paws down, my favorite thing in the world is wrestling with my best buddy. Using my fiercest growl with the occasional bark thrown in is simply thrilling and great fun!

Pretending that I'm really mad is such a rush, I wouldn't bite this boy for anything.

Minutes later, it's over and I'm tuckered out with my tongue hanging out and panting. Perfect for a lovely nap afterwards!
I miss chasing Dudley, he's been confined for a week now with inner ear trouble. Three trips to the vet. Wandering around the door mystified by the meows I'm hearing but not finding that furry thing drives me nuts!!! Hopefully he will be released soon and things get back to normal. Hope all my friends out there are healthy and have a wonderful Thanksgiving with their two legged buddies.This year I'm thankful that my best buddy is here year round! Enjoy it Snuffles, Emma, Luna, Buddy, Dizzy, Penney, Tonka, Hope, Trixie, Bella, Zoe, Chief, Sophie, Snickers and it's barkaliciously good to see Annie doing so well!!!!

Argh! Time Flies!!!!

8x10 graphite and color pencil on bristol board

Gosh....so meant to post Dogs On Thursday, SkyFriday and more! Time gets away from me, especially if I get on the computer but I've had other things going on. Big Boy and Mr. Unplugged went out of town over night. VolleyGirl and I went to our favorite Italian restaurant, returned home to watch some tv, all the chick flick type shows. Starting with a couple of episodes of "Say Yes To The Dress" followed by "The Notebook" then catching the last half of "Pride and Prejudice". Okay, had to override VolleyGirl to watch the rest of "Pride" since she's not a fan of period movies and I love them, this is one of my favorites too. She relented that it was good as i kept pointing out the dynamics between them. Then the next day we did some shopping, lovely girl time! I hope to keep up better this week but it's a full one too! Getting Dudley back to the vet with his ears after taking him last Thursday, poor thing, he's so pitiful now, couldn't believe a Dr. wasn't in the office Saturday. Called an ER vet to inquire if I needed to bring him in or if he would be okay to wait til Monday morning. Must get finished setting up my Etsy account, doing some art, cleaning (ack!) and topping it off with a cake for my niece that turns 1.

All that was incomplete on the artwork above was the "surface". Debated different colors and that Wednesday at the open house, woodgrain came to mind. Pondering what to do last Wednesday night I asked my son his opinion. He hesitated, then mentioned wood. Ha! Showed him the pencils I had already set aside and some of the sample color combinations I had tested out. We think alike often. Still, upon showing him the finished piece later that evening, I was a little surprised when he commented that he wasn't sure I could pull it off. Told him to just look around the room. My bedroom is full of oak furniture my father made. Oak was his favorite because of the vivid grain in the wood. The perfect reference was abundant.

Hope all is well, will be catching up again!

ME-OW!!!

One of the highlights of last Wednesday's open house was these sweet kitties! Meet "Tux", a chubby Maine Coon, though his "mom" says he's not (I felt that tummy, he's preparing for a long winter) Holding big kitty is the granddaughter of my mother's closest friend, was great seeing all of them.

Several times I tried to get a really good photo of these felines but my cell phone has the battery life of a flake of snow in July these days so this was the best I could do. This is another granddaughter, we were at her home. Going back in December, perhaps they will pose by the Christmas tree or in it!

This is "Jag", obviously a Bengal, he was displaying his highwire circus act many times on the staircase that day......again, the ONLY photo I managed to secure. Enjoyed seeing these two from time to time that day.

The View is Black and White....Sometimes

Acrylic on 8x8 canvas

So, the game was what I expected, stressful, tough and unsure of the turnout. Sadly, a disappointing loss, oh well, onward! I finished this first attempt of painting in black and white, I really enjoyed it, maybe because it reminds me of working in pencil. Still in the process of painting the edges black, it's one of the deep canvases. Probably a name for it but don't ever expect me to know the correct name for almost anything......I do remember my children's names (usually).

Like I posted before, the open house at my friend's beautiful home on the side of the mountain was good. Wow, what a view, the entire back of her home is solid two story windows- and the view is breathtaking. Got a couple of shots with my cellphone....not trusty anymore cause the battery doesn't last worth doodly. (shopping for another)

I sold three pieces that day, have an order for a snow family and just this morning have a request for a personalized zentangle......better get my bum in gear!!! In addition, I have two more Christmas open house events to participate in as a result of this, the first one on Dec. 3rd, the following one is at my friend's home again (taking camera!) a week or two later. I want to have more things ready, perhaps some smaller items, paintings, drawings and maybe some tiny paintings to be used as ornaments. A girl can dream! Now all I need is a band of house cleaning fairies to clean around here to get ready for decorating. Once again....sometimes dreams come true.....let's hope. Each day on Facebook I am posting something to be thankful for, can never be overly thankful. Today I am thankful for my family's good health!